A two- to three-day walk from Pokhara to Panchase (about 2,517 m), a forested hill with a temple and pond west of Phewa Tal, with views of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre.
- Days
- 3 days
- Maximum altitude
- 2,517 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
Pokhara & Annapurna, Pokhara
Royal Trek
A low, short village walk in the hills east of Pokhara, via Kalikasthan, Syaklung and Chisapani to Begnas Lake, named after a 1980 trek by the then Prince Charles.
- Days
- 3-5
- Max altitude
- 1,730 m
- Distance
- -
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best months
- Oct-Apr
- Start / end
- Bijayapur (by road from Pokhara) / Begnas Lake (by road to Pokhara)
- Sleep in
- Camping, Homestays
- Permits
- 1 required
Overview
The Royal Trek is a short walk through farming villages in the hills north-east of the Pokhara valley. It is named after the then Prince Charles, who is said to have walked and camped along this route with a large party in 1980. The trail links Kalikasthan, Thulakot, Syaklung and Chisapani before dropping to Begnas Lake.
The route stays below about 1,750 m, so it has no altitude concerns, and it offers views of Annapurna II and IV, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu from the ridges. Villages along the way are Gurung, Brahmin and Chhetri. Lodges are scarce, so most groups camp or use simple homestays arranged in advance.
Village life in Gurung, Brahmin and Chhetri communitiesViews of Annapurna II and IV, Machhapuchhre and ManasluFinish at Begnas LakeNo altitude concerns
Why it is rated easy
- Walks of 4-6 hours a day on village trails and farm tracks
- Low altitude throughout
- Few lodges, so camping or pre-arranged homestays are needed
Elevation profile
About altitudeSleeping altitude for each night. The dashed lines at 3,000 m and 4,000 m mark heights where altitude illness becomes more common. General information only, not medical advice.
Hover, tap or use the arrow keys to see each day. Shaded columns are acclimatisation days.
Show the profile as a table
| Day | Overnight | Sleeping altitude | High point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kalikasthan | 1,370 m | - |
| 2 | Syaklung | 1,730 m | - |
| 3 | Chisapani | 1,550 m | - |
| 4 | Pokhara | 822 m | - |
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Drive to Bijayapur, walk to Kalikasthansleep 1,370 m4-5 h
A short drive east to Bijayapur, then a climb through fields and forest to the village and Kali temple at Kalikasthan, with views across the Pokhara valley.
Camp or homestay at Kalikasthan
Day 2Kalikasthan to Syaklungsleep 1,730 m5-6 habout 12 km
Along the ridge via Thulakot and Majhthana, then up to the Gurung village of Syaklung, the high point of the trek.
Camp or homestay at Syaklung
Day 3Syaklung to Chisapanisleep 1,550 m4-5 habout 13 km
Down and along ridges through villages and forest to Chisapani, with views of Annapurna and Manaslu on clear days.
Camp or homestay at Chisapani
Day 4Chisapani to Begnas Lake, drive to Pokharasleep 822 m3-4 habout 8 km
Descend through farmland to Begnas Lake (about 650 m), then about 30-45 minutes by road to Pokhara.
Hotel in Pokhara
Stages, times and altitudes vary by operator, weather and pace. Partner agencies confirm the exact plan.
Route map
Trail geometry from OpenStreetMap.
Permits
No national park or conservation-area permit reported for the core routeOther
The route lies in the hills east of Pokhara and is generally described as outside the Annapurna Conservation Area, but some agencies still list ACAP or TIMS. Confirm with the NTNC/ACAP office in Pokhara or a licensed agency.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-06 against Royal Trek route notes, Yeti Trail Adventure. Guide rule: Nepal bans solo trekking for tourists, guides mandatory from April 1 (The National, March 2023).
Nepal trekking permits explainedWhen to go
Best months: Oct-Apr
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- September to November: clear views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges from October; rice harvest in the valleys.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February: mild days and cool nights at this height, with clear mornings; a good time for this low route.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May: warmer and hazier, with rhododendrons on the higher ridges; hot in the valleys by May.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August: hot, wet and muddy, with leeches; views are rare.
Weather on the route
Forecasts for start (Kalikasthan, 1,370 m), highest overnight (Syaklung, 1,730 m), end (Pokhara, 822 m). Mountain weather changes fast; check again on the day.
Weather in Kalikasthan (start)
Forecast for 1,370 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Weather in Syaklung (highest overnight)
Forecast for 1,730 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Weather in Pokhara (end)
Forecast for 822 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Safety
This route stays below about 2,500 m, so altitude illness is unlikely, but insurance that covers trekking and evacuation is still sensible. This is general information, not medical advice.
Lodges are few; arrange camping or homestays in advance and carry enough water.
Farm tracks and trails are confusing in places; go with a guide who knows the route.
What to pack
- Tent and camping gear if not supplied by your agency
- Sun hat and sun cream; the route is low and warm
- Water purification
- Light rain jacket
- Cash
Side trips and alternatives
Spend an extra night by the lake and take a boat out.
The smaller lake beside Begnas, on the other side of the Panchabhaiya ridge.
Royal Trek questions
Why is it called the Royal Trek?
It is named after the then Prince Charles, who is said to have trekked and camped along this route in 1980.
How many days is the Royal Trek?
Usually 3-5 days from Pokhara; four days is the common plan.
How high does the Royal Trek go?
About 1,700 m at Syaklung, though sources disagree; there is no altitude risk.
Do I need a permit for the Royal Trek?
The route is generally described as outside the Annapurna Conservation Area, but some agencies list ACAP or TIMS. Check before you go.
Similar treks
A one- or two-day walk from Kande near Pokhara to Australian Camp, a grassy viewpoint at about 2,060 m facing the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre, returning via Dhampus and Phedi.
- Days
- 2 days
- Maximum altitude
- 2,060 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
A short overnight walk from Phedi near Pokhara to the Gurung village of Dhampus (about 1,650 m), with homestays and sunrise views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas.
- Days
- 2 days
- Maximum altitude
- 1,650 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
Editorial draft: altitudes, permits and rules are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-06. Sources: Royal Trek route notes, Yeti Trail Adventure, Royal Trek (Annapurna Skyline Trek), All Nepal
Royal Trek · 4 days